People hiking through lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Beaches, Parks & Gardens

Think “beach day,” Keys-style. Here, sandy stretches pop up in a few special spots, but most water access comes with a twist—limestone rocks, shady mangroves, and clear shallows that feel like your own natural swimming pool. Add in tropical gardens, local parks and playgrounds, and trails perfect for wandering, and you’ve got plenty of ways to play outside. From state parks to secret picnic spots, these listings prove you don’t need miles of sand to enjoy paradise—you just need a sunblock and a little curiosity.

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Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

History and beach at Key West’s iconic Fort Zachary Taylor — snorkel, stroll, sunset.

Marathon

Oceanfront Park

Oceanfront Park in Marathon offers ocean views, picnic spots, kayak launches, fitness stations, and a dog-friendly field for outdoor fun.

The Lower Keys

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Protected sanctuary in the Florida Keys for wading birds, sea turtles, and marine life.

Key West

Key West Turtle Museum

Discover sea turtle conservation, interactive exhibits, and local marine education at the Key West Turtle Museum—where every visit helps protect our ocean’s gentle giants.

Islamorada

Hurricane Monument

Memorial to 1935 hurricane victims in Islamorada.

Key West

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is a beautifully restored 19th-century Bahamian-Greek Revival home in Key West, showcasing original works by John James Audubon and lush tropical gardens.

The Lower Keys

National Key Deer Refuge

National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key deer and native ecosystems in the Lower Florida Keys — a sanctuary of nature you can explore via trails and observation points.

The Lower Keys

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve is a 5,400-acre protected area south of Big Pine Key, where vibrant seagrass beds, coral patch reefs, mangroves, and hard-bottom habitats support rich marine biodiversity.

Key West

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a tropical glass-domed haven where hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos enchant visitors in the heart of Key West.

Marathon

Children's Rotary Park

Children's Rotary Park in Marathon, Florida, features a wooden playground with slides, tunnels, and themed play structures, plus a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a dog park.

Islamorada

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Lignumvitae Key: boat-access tropical hammock and historic Matheson home.

Key Largo

Harry Harris Park

Oceanfront park w/ boat ramp in Key Largo.

Key West

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

Marine sanctuary protecting reefs, seagrass, mangroves & heritage in the Florida Keys.

Marathon

The Lagoon on Grassy Key

Experience thrilling wakeboarding, aqua park fun, and vibrant beer garden vibes at The Lagoon!